Griffiths makes difference for Smith

Posted Sunday, January 02, 2011 by PA

Dundee manager Barry Smith has been boosted by the return to fitness of striker Leigh Griffiths for the visit of Ross County.

Griffiths has shaken off the knock he sustained in the Dens Park side's last match against Stirling Albion, but midfielder Nicky Reilly remains sidelined due to a back injury.

Smith said: "Leigh came back to training on Wednesday and showed no ill effects on Thursday, so he was immediately added to my squad for Ross County.

"He scored twice against them in our last game up there, so hopefully that's a good omen.

"We played really well at Victoria Park to win 3-0 and need to do the same again on our own patch."

Ross County are also boosted by the return of their striker, Paul Di Giacomo, following hernia surgery in November.

But Darren Smith is still out following his thumb operation. Defenders Scott Boyd and Darren McCormack sat out a recent game with St Johnstone because of minor knocks, but they have been passed fit.

Manager Willie McStay, who will take charge of his third game after being handed the job on November 24, said: "I'm hoping that the visit to Dundee is a good sign for me and that I can get a run of games in 2011 that will allow me to really get my teeth into my new job."